Bernard William Brown

Sadly, we announce the sudden passing of Bernard William Brown, on October 19, 2024, at the age of 89, in North Vancouver, BC.

Bernard is survived by his wife Shirley Ann Brown, sons Bradley (Barbara) of Edmonton, Steven of Langley, and Warren (Shannon) of North Vancouver, sisters Joyce Howard of Encinitas California, and Peggy Wyman of West Kelowna BC, and grandchildren Taylor, Jessica, Julia, Tyson, and Hunter.

Bernard is predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Audrey (Wilfred) Farrants of Barrhead AB, Beatrice (Donald) Cameron of Williams Lake BC, Garry Wyman of West Kelowna BC and Brent Ferris of Victoria BC.

Bernard was born on November 22, 1934, to Frances and Oscar Brown in Barrhead Alberta. Bernard’s parents immigrated to Canada from England after WWI and raised their family on a homestead farm in Lawton, just outside Barrhead. When Bernard was approximately ten years old the family moved to Edmonton where he attended high school. After graduation, Bernard moved west to Vancouver where he found work at his future fathers-in-laws retail business, the Bootery Shoe Store on Granville Street. It is here that he met the love of his life, Shirley and they were married in 1957. They purchased their long-time home in North Vancouver where they raised three boys.

Bernard was many things to many people including a loving husband, great father, knowledgeable retailer, business entrepreneur/owner, sports coach, badminton player, bridge partner, and source of stability during turbulent times. His calming and fun-loving attitude will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Bernard lived a full and enjoyable life where one of his favourite times had to be the annual vacations to Maui. He and Shirley were part of the “Sugar Beach gang”, a group of friends who came from all over North America to golf, swim and socialize in Maui for over 30 years. Bernie and Shirley’s relatives all knew this was a great way to reconnect with family, watching them live their lives to it’s fullest. This is how many of us will choose to remember Bernie at his best!

According to Bernie’s wishes, he is being cremated with no plans for a public service. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, friends and family may choose to remember Bernie by donating to the Cancer society, or any charity of their choosing.